As I compose this, my last editorial for 2023, I find myself contemplating this past year, all it brought and the lasting impact it will leave behind, and as much as I am an optimist, I can’t deny a sense of apprehension at the events unfolding all around.
Directly or indirectly, developments across the planet impact our political, economic and social reality and, not least, our individual and collective psychology. Rising geopolitical tensions, an increasingly urgent climate crisis and staggering technological advancements are accompanied by a steady erosion of the universal values and principles that have long served as the foundations of stability, cooperation and safety in our world. Tragically, as we witness incredible scientific and technological achievements unlock unprecedented potential for creating a better world, we are also seeing a rise in fanaticism, polarization, greed, violence, and lawlessness.
Each day brings fresh ideas and new trends, but also new risks and challenges, and everyone—states, societies, businesses, and individuals—is searching for the steps that must be taken on the path to a more stable future. Navigating such uncharted waters demands strong values and principles: patience, perseverance, cooperation, solidarity, open-mindedness, and the constant pursuit of progress and innovation. In a connected world of diverse yet shared interests, alliances based on these core values are vital to our collective ability to successfully overcome challenges. Communication, understanding, and collaboration are imperative; none of us can thrive in isolation on our interconnected planet.
In this volatile environment, businesses are always searching for key organizations to collaborate with in their quest to identify best practices and address pressing issues, forming crucial partnerships that can help them learn, network, and grow. The American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce is one such organization, an influential business body committed to promoting a stronger business environment and fostering business partnerships and opportunities. In 2023, we launched many important initiatives and organized numerous highly successful events, maintaining a strong international presence with actions that included the US Pavilions at DEFEA and Thessaloniki International Book Fair, the Hellenic Pavilion at AUSA 2023 in Washington DC, our business mission to Egypt, and our hosting of the American Chambers in Europe (ACE) annual Best Practices Sharing Conference, which included a spectacular 60th-anniversary celebration. Stronger every year, our vibrant portfolio of events and initiatives underscores our Chamber’s commitment to supporting innovation and forward-looking strategies, strengthening bilateral relations and building on our international network—and always, we continue to forge ahead, broadening horizons and exploring new frontiers.
ELIAS SPIRTOUNIAS
Executive Director
